Lacson sees arrogance in UN spcl envoy’s call for anti-terror law’s repeal

Former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson (INQUIRER.net file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Friday criticized United Nations Special Rapporteur Ian Fry after the envoy asked Philippine government to revoke the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Fry had also sought the abolition of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

In a short but strongly-worded tweet, Lacson branded Fry’s act as conceited.

“The arrogant behavior of this supercilious white-skinned alien makes him think he is better than Congress and the Supreme Court of the Republic of the Philippines,” said Lacson.

It was Lacson who authored and sponsored Senate Bill Number 1083, otherwise known as the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

He was then chairperson of Senate committee on national defense and security in the 18th Congress.

The bill was signed into law on July 3, 2020.

Fry earlier urged Philippine government to create a “clean slate” on its approach to anti-terrorism.

He said it should “not use the law to harass and vilify environmental human rights defenders.”

NTF-ELCAC was formed following former President Rodrigo Duterte’s order in 2018 to create a “Whole of Nation” approach to attain sustainable peace.